Go Team GB!

  So. London 2012. It's finally here, and the country is in frenzy over preparations and plans to ensure it runs smoothly. Lengths to make changes to Sunday trading laws, huge new builds nearing completion, and nationwide aesthetic changes occurring to make sure Britain looks its best (such as Coventry, but let's face it... it did need it.) This once in a lifetime occurrence has everyone excited; not only for the economy, but the UK as a whole and showing off what we got is a priority! As well as the obvious competitive aspect of the age-long occasion, it's kind of a huge display of "I'm better than you", and proving your country can be bigger and better than the last- i.e. bigger and better fireworks!
  Style-wise, the Team GB Olympic kit was launched last week, and I'm in two minds... Designed by Stella McCartney and created by Adidas, you can't deny that style and knowledge here is combined excellently to produce fashionable sportswear. The designs, however, are a bit hit and miss.

www.fabsugar.co.uk 

"I wanted the kit to be British, but understated, not ridiculous," 

Stella McCartney at the launch of the kit at the Tower of London. 

(Image: www.alexloves.com) 

  The launch was held in a humongous tent (see above) at the Tower of London, and saw well known, and slightly less well known Olympians and paralympians donning the new gear, from a variety of different disciplines. Stella McCartney has been working on these designs for two years, and with a brief of 600 athletes and 26 different disciplines to please, she had her work cut out for her! Getting the right look, correct balance of style and propriety of the sports wear is never an easy combination to collate, and pleasing all athletes was always going to be unlikely, however a majority of the designs seem nice- patriotic without being OTT.

(Image: www.mirror.co.uk)

(Image: www.mirror.co.uk) 

"...the designs focuses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it, creating a modern and contemporary twist.The result is a bold design that features on all items of the kit to ensure the British athletes stand out in front of the home crowd as a unified team." (Team GB organisers, Source: The Mirror) 

  Dislike and a somewhat disappointed feel for the designs, however, is present. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins tweeted: "Oh dear, the Olympic kit!!" and comments on Twitter mostly mention the distinct, perhaps dominant over-use, of the blue colour and lack of red colour. Twitterers even go as far as to mention looking  of French design?...  
  Anyway, despite the haters, I don't think Stella did too badly. She was never going to make everyone happy! Perhaps a bit more red would have been nice, but never mind. Here are some individual shots of the designs... 

 

 [All photos are from the Guardian photo story...]

  So, what do you think? Regardless of the design not pleasing everyone, I reckon the majority do appreciate the 2012 kit, and hope they'll see our athletes get as many medals as popular. GO TEAM GB!!
  Here's some links you might wanna check out for some more info/photos - Enjoy :)

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/22/stella-mccartney-london-2012-aesthetics-gold 
• http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/team-gb-olympic-kit-by-stella-768895 
• http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/22/stella-mccartney-teamgb-olympic-collection-pictures 
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/mar/22/olympics-2012-athletics-stella-mccartney

Bea xo

Hi to the Tops

 So I've given in, and decided to blog about a trend that has appeared in amongst glossy magazine pages for the last month- hi tops. Whether they're branded Nike or Converse, or from highstreet shops like River Island or New Look, the sport luxe feature footwear item is becoming all the rage for this summer, and we're all loving it.
 High-tops have been around for years- popularity starting with old style high top Converse. Since then, brands have been recreating their own versions of this shoe (some nicer than others!) and the Sports Luxe trend just isn't complete without a pair. 

1 - Nike sneaker, $116
2 - High top sneaker, $52 
3 - Nike sneaker, £67
4 - Converse sneaker, £45
5 - ASOS high top sneaker, $63
6 - Adidas sneaker, £67 
7 - Nike shoes, $120
8 - KG Kurt Geiger high top sneaker, £90
9 - Gucci sneaker, £230 
10 - Dc shoes, £63 


And it isn't just us who are loving on the hi tops, all the celebs are rocking them too!... 

Little Mix loving their 'tops (Image: www.leblow.co.uk)

(Image: www.zigoti.com)

 Whether paired with ankle socks, denim shorts and a festival tee, or finishing the cool and edgy look with blue skinnes and a band tee, hi tops are definitely the staple of an effortlessly cool look.

Topshop crop tee, $40
Ksubi cut off shorts, $180
Converse hi top sneaker, £45
Triangle ring, $25
Dorothy Perkins wood jewelry, $25
Mango skull jewelry, £15
Ray-Ban folding sunglasses, $251
Phase Eight floppy hat, £30

 Summer is the perfect time to purchase a pair, so get down to your local Schuh or Office and check out some of what they have to offer. Alternatively have a flick through Company's April edition or their High Street Edit, for an awesome selection! 
Links to check out - 

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/mar/21/best-high-tops-in-pictures 

ENJOY- IT'S SUMMER SOON!! Eeee!


Bea xo